PROP-A-PALOOZA

Well Tuesday November 2, 2010 is Election Day, and in California it means it's also time for Prop-A-Palooza!

Isn't that everyone's favorite part of the election....or is that the piece which makes you want to run and hide? This time around there are 9 State Measure/Propositions on California's ballot.
California residents know now confusing and brain munching understanding these props can be.
Admit it, how many times have you voted "Yes," only to realize you mean to vote "No" or vice versa!?!?

Most of us just want to know what "YES" means and what a "NO" means, so we can make the best decision we feel comfortable with. Our voter Info packet makes me feel like Taxi's Jim Ignatowski before I barely begin to trudge through it. "What does a yellow light mean?"

In an effort to help readers learn about the propositions MAYOR SAM is rolling out a post per prop to support you in making your voter decisions. We're trying to be as fair as possible giving you the arguments supporting and opposing, and being clear what a YES or a NO really means.

This election is important. Make sure you get out and vote on Tuesday!

Do You Remember?

And while we're on the election, a new Field Research Poll has Prop 19 (marijuana) losing support & 23 (halts AB32) going down hard, while Prop 25 (majority vote for state budget) looks headed for passage.

Sign of a Changing Time for CD 14 in 2011?

" The spotlight is on CD 14 after Tuesday"

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Obama Gets Heckled and Loses His Cool

Top 13 Craziest Midterm Election 2010 Moments

Michael Gibson at Ranker.com has collected some crazy videos from the 2010 campaign. And yes, the GOP Tea Party provides the bulk of the entertainment. Here's a few;







See the rest.

Rally To Restore Sanity

The irony of it all

Tsunami Twenty-Ten: The Republican Wave

Senate Race Out of Reach for GOP in Cali?

Drats!

Five-Thirty-Eight forecasts that the GOP may be SOL in the California U.S. Senate race. The new Field Research Poll gives Boxer an 8 point lead with just 3 days and a few hours left before election day.

"While Ms. Fiorina’s chances had already been on the decline — California has been very widely polled, and most of the surveys have shown Ms. Boxer holding a lead in the mid-single digits — the new poll harms her odds somewhat further. Given the robustness of the polling (and how close we now are to Election Day),  our model gives Ms. Fiorina just a 4 percent chance of making a comeback, down from 7 percent yesterday.

The reason this relatively small change is in fact quite important is because the California race was providing the Republicans with at least some redundancy in how they might win enough seats to take over the Senate. Along with Washington and West Virginia, it was one of three tipping point states that were most important to their overall probability of getting to 51 seats".

Call Me Senator - From David Zucker

A Mayor Sam Retraction

" Glendale News-Press caption refers to Congressman Mike Gatto"

For the record, a post written at Mayor Sam by myself, stated that "a Mike Gatto" had been evicted from a 901 Levering Ave. 15, Los Angeles, California 90024. Further, I stated that "a Mike Gatto" was subjected to a court judgment for $1,355.00.

Upon further review with my sources, it has been concluded that the "Mike Gatto" mentioned in the post, is not the current Assemblyman Mike Gatto. For that, I apologize for my mistake.

It should be noted, that there was never was any communication from the Mike Gatto Campaign, for a retraction, prior to the "Cease and Desist Letter" from Assemblyman Gatto.

It is my paramount priority when writing for Mayor Sam to present the correct facts went musing on a chosen subject or person. But like the Glendale News-Press above, it is our responsibility to make corrections when warranted.

Scott Johnson

Hi, IMA TEA PARTIER!

 Thanks Suzanne!

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Friday

The LA Weeky's Patrick Range McDonald hits it AGAIN with a cool Jack-O-Lantern full of the Mayor's hype over the Subway to the Sea. The MTA board passed what Stupidvisor Don Knabe called a "historic" vote to bring the Purple (FKA Metro Red Line Wilshire Extension) Line somewhere near Santa Monica.  McDonald enumerates the Mayor's fantasies about the line unlike all the rest of the press release journos out there noting everything from the canard that the Subway will end traffic as we know it, even though studies say less than one percent of suburban Westside motorists will get out of their four wheeled monsters and board the choo choo.

Will Jerry Brown, if elected Governor, raise taxes? Yes if what his former Chief of Staff and former Governor Gray Davis says is true.

Read more »

Governor Lowbeam: Brown Will Have to Raise Taxes Next Year

Shut up Gray!

Jerry Brown mentioned the other day his campaign staff has put a muzzle on him to prevent the former Governor from gaffing or saying anything else stupid in the final days of the campaign.

The Brown campaign may want to consider the same thing when it comes to Brown's former roommate and Chief of Staff, more commonly known as ex-Governor Lowbeam, Gray Davis, the guy we booted for some reason I can't remember so we could have an inaction hero as Governor.

Though Brown has claimed there would be no tax increases during his term Davis is saying that sometime next year California's new Governor may be forced to put several tax increases on the ballot during a special election.



"The next governor will have to have a special election given the additional revenue shortfall we'll face because of the temporary tax increases expiring,"  Davis told The Fresno Bee.



Brown's Republican opponent Meg Whitman responded "I saw today that former Governor Gray Davis says that if Jerry Brown is elected, we will have a special election in the spring to ask voters for even higher taxes. Talk about March Madness! More taxes in a recession. And Gray Davis ought to know; he was Jerry Brown's right hand man for years. Voters, you are warned. Jerry Brown will bring more spending, more taxes and more lost jobs to California."

Despite the fact that Davis says he is on-board supporting his former boss he says that he and Brown have not discussed the matter.

Community Clean-Up

Volunteers are needed to help clean up the bike path along the Orange Line busway on Nov. 6.

The Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes all Scout troops, churches, school groups, businesses, and individuals are urged to take part in the clean-up to help make the bike path safer and more attractive for families and commuters.

The volunteers should meet at 8 a.m. at the staging area located at 6060 Van Nuys Blvd. The area to be cleaned is between Sherman Way and Hazeltine Avenue in Van Nuys.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

Egads! The well heeled liberal suburbanites of Beverly Hills (you remember - swimmin' pools, movie stars) are aghast that choo-choo trains with hordes of non-Whites aboard will run underneath their mansions as part of the route of Mayor V's Subway to the Sea. Joining the fight to make sure no such travesty happens is none other than County Stupidvisor Zev Yaroslavsky.  Yikes.

Read more »

Mayor Sam's KnowLA: An Easy Way to Get Local Information

Want to know who your City Council member, State Assembly Represenative, State Senator, Member of Congress are? Need to know the nearest police or fire station? How about the local schools, what Neighborhood Council serves you or what local planning area you're part of? There's a handy little tool on the front page of the City of Los Angeles' web site.

Scroll down to the "Neighborhood Resources" section and enter your address or nearest intersection.  Hit find and the system does the rest!

This post is the first in an occasional series providing information to our readers on how to find information with respect to your local government.

CA Dems Hold Lead in New Times/CNN Poll

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/27/cnntime-poll-democrats-on-top-in-california-governor-and-senate-contests-2/

ABC News: Gov. Schwarzenegger: DC Politicians Are 'Wimps'

ABC News, October 27th: In an interview to air tonight on “World News with Diane Sawyer” -- Sawyer asked Gov. Schwarzenegger about the clean energy policies that he says will be his legacy -- Schwarzenegger shared his thoughts on how Washington has dealt with this issue as well as what his plans are for when he leaves office.

The Governor tells Sawyer: “We need to go to Washington and say “look what happened. You, because oil companies have spent money against you, they have threatened you, you backed off the energy policy and the environmental policy in Washington. What wimps. No guts. I mean, here, you idolize and always celebrate the great warriors. Our soldiers, our men and women who go to Iraq and Afghanistan, and they’re risking their lives to defend this country and you’re not even willing to stand up against the oil companies. I said, that’s disgusting. You promised the people you’d represent them. You didn’t promise the people you’d represent the oil companies and the special interests.”

Barbara Boxer Asked LAUSD to Violate the Law

According to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association, representatives of the Barbara Boxer for Senate Campaign sent a letter to LAUSD teachers asking them to recruit students to serve as volunteers for her campaign.

This is a big violation of the California Education Code which states:

California Education Code, section 51520: “During school hours, and within one hour before the time of opening and within one hour after the time of closing of school, pupils of the public school shall not be solicited on school premises by teachers or others to subscribe or contribute to the funds of, to become members of, or to work for, any organization not directly under the control of the school authorities, unless the organization is a nonpartisan, charitable organization organized for charitable purposes by an act of Congress or under the laws of the state, the purpose of the solicitation is nonpartisan and charitable, and the solicitation has been approved by the county board of education or by the governing board of the school district in which the school is located.

Press release and doc below:

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Tells L.A.U.S.D. and Los Angeles Board of Education:

“Barbara Boxer Asked LAUSD to Violate the Law”

Boxer campaign solicited Teachers to get students to volunteer for Campaign work

 Sacramento --- The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) notified the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Board of Education today that, in abject ignorance of California state law, the political campaign of Senator Barbara Boxer has openly solicited teachers employed by LAUSD to urge their students to volunteer for her campaign.

HJTA's letter to the school district urges LAUSD to immediately inform all its personnel, credentialed or otherwise, that it would be a clear violation of law for teachers to recruit their students on school property during school hours to volunteer for a specific political campaign.

“This is open and shut,” said Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.  “Pursuant to both case law and a specific provision of the California Education Code, what Boxer wants would leave LAUSD subject to both civil and potentially criminal sanctions.  Common sense should also tell her that seeking public resources and classroom time from teachers to do her political bidding is just wrong.  Barbara Boxer should know better.”

A copy of the letter was faxed to both the school district and the Board of Education this morning, and is attached here in PDF form.

A copy of the letter which was sent from Boxer’s office to teachers is also attached here.

   

For more information about the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association or for an online copy of the letters, visit: http://www.HJTA.org.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday

Vas te faire encule Conseil municipal!

Shades of France.  How do you get the City Council to stop doing something? Get a powerful public employee union who has several bought and paid for members on the Clowncil to yell and scream.  That's what happened when Bernard Parks brought a motion to rein in the DWP's employee pension program and put under the control of the City. "Uh-uh," said the union that represents the utility's employees.

It's coming down to the wire for the Clowncil to put Jose Huizar's series of election "reforms" on the ballot for next spring.  You need to pay attention to this.  It includes things that sound good like "instant runoff voting" (where the devil may be in the details) and extremely concerning schemes such as consolidating neighborhood polling places into "Neighborhood Voting Centers" where "trained staff" would help people vote.  Contact your Councilperson on this one folks.

If neither jovial 4th District Councilman Tom LaBonge nor his bearded bicycling opponent Stephen Box are your cup of tea you may have another choice for that CD.  Neighborhood Council member Tomas O'Grady has thrown his hat into the ring and is catching attention for his work to help save libraries in Los Angeles.  Of course there is blogger Phil Jennerjahn also in the race and some folks are still pushing businessman Jack Humphreville to run.

KABC's John Phillips deconstructs a questionable LA Times poll that shows candidate for Governor Jerry Brown up by massive numbers.  As in past OLD GRAY HAG ON SPRING STREET's fall classic polls this one is clearly overstating turnout models.  Phillips says the poll is nothing more than "Democratic Party masturbation." Next week both the Times and Democrats may have to find other ways to pleasure themselves.

It happens somewhere every election cycle and this time here in Southern California we have a dead politician on the ballot.  Former State Senator Jenny Oropeza died last week but election rules require her name to stay on the ballot and were she to get a plurality of votes she could even win the race.  John Stammreich has been Oropeza's opponent and while some polls have been showing the South Bay Republican in a dead (pardon the pun) heat with Oropeza no one knows how her untimely passing will impact the final tally.  If Oropeza happens to win the election her office would be declared vacant and another election would be required.

DailyKos: "We're....f'ed"

The left leaning client state blog of the DNC, DailyKos smells the blood in the water and they're really, really mad at their own leaders. A report at the media watching blog MediaShift documents Republicans are far more savvy this cycle at using social media than Democrats basically beating the left at the game it invented in 2008.  Red leaning Facebook friends and Twitter followers are far outpacing those on the blue.

Here's Kos himself:

Don't look now, but Republicans are crushing Democrats in the use of social networks.

R's have an avg. of 38,718 FB friends and 14,009 Twitter followers.
D's have an avg. of 8,260 FB friends and 2,591 Twitter followers according to HeadCount.org

This stuff matters. Republican consultants have embraced the social networks as a way to spread their message in a way that our shitty Democratic ones have not. What online advantages progressives have -- the blogosphere and sites like ActBlue -- have been created outside of the establishment's grasp. Otherwise, we'd be even more fucked.

Meg Jeered at Women's Conference Today

She refused to stop running negative ads. The response was immediate. And she wonders why voters find her distant and cold?

Jerry Brown: 'I'm on Message Discipline, They Told Me Not to Say Anything...

Whitman Endorses Brown's Record

-And, in a new Fox News Poll, Brown extends his lead over Whitman, Boxer holds steady.

Education Activist Tomas O'Grady Fighting For Our Libraries

Still can’t find your LA City Council member? Check Los Angeles’s public libraries off the list of their potential hiding spots – they’re probably closed.

LA library operating budgets were some of the first hit by budget cuts, and so far, education activist and CD 4 candidate Tomas O’Grady is the only one looking to do anything about it.

Libraries are safe, quiet spaces for kids studying after school, senior citizens during the day, and adults looking to escape: Library use increases during tough economic times. Multi-purpose rooms regularly host community meetings and events, but all that has changed thanks to the City Council.

Since defunding the libraries, the City Council has been silent on the issue while O’Grady has been waging a quiet and credible war with his grassroots coalition that includes families, Neighborhood Councils, and leaders in education and library administration.

In a letter addressed to the Mayor and City Council members, O’Grady laid out a number of specific cuts that he says will close the funding gap and allow libraries to return to normal operation. O’Grady targeted the General City Purposes Fund, discretionary accounts, perks for Council members and their staff, and outstanding fines and fees the City has failed to collect.

Many of those on the front lines agree with O’Grady: Last week LA City Chief Librarian Martin Gomez and the Librarian’s Guild President Roy Stone stood with O’Grady and called for the Mayor and City Council members to reopen and refund the libraries. Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council passed a similar motion.

“It’s the kids I worry about the most. Where do these kids go now?” O’Grady said. “It’s all about prioritizing and reallocating existing funds away from pet projects, bloated salaries and staffing levels and back into our communities where they belong.”

O’Grady seems to be doing his best to ensure our libraries reopen and that the Council has nowhere to hide.

Mayor Sam has obtained a copy of O'Grady's letter. Take a look at the proposal yourself and see what you think …

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Are they gay?

Bad news for Mayor Villaraigosa.  Many thought that his consolation prize for not running for Governor of California was that he could replace Dianne Feinstein as US Senator when she was to retire in 2012.  Oops. DiFi may not be retiring.

Read more »

Jerry Brown "it's all a lie... I didn't have a plan for California"

So now that Jerry Brown is a politician again has he returned to lying?

Tale of Two Photos

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Looking good baby, looking real good!

Paul Hatfield has some excellent analysis around why Prop 27 must be defeated and Prop 20 must win in order to bring some sanity to the process of creating legislative districts in California.  Entrenched shady Congressmen like Howard Berman are fighting this because they know taking redistricting out of the politician's hands is bad news for hacks like Berman.

David Berger takes a look at how it easy it is these days to create animated political ads

The Daily News talks to some folks who are perennial candidates for public office.  Yet not one mention of Phil Jennerjahn..

Speaking of Phil Jennerjahn he's figured out a route for District Attorney Steve Cooley to the post of United States Attorney General.

If you like beer, we know many of you do, and you didn't make it to Union Station by Sunday you missed out on the Second Annual Beer Festival.

On the other hand if your tastes go more towards champagne on Tuesday evening the Paley Center hosts a tribute to LA icon Lawrence Welk.  Yes a one and a two celebrating the bubbles, Myron Floren, the luv-ley Lennon Sisters and more, you can't beat that.

Senator Barbara Boxer at "Rally in the Valley"

Thanks to the Headington Cabal for this extraordinary clip;

Senator Barbara Boxer @ the Rally in the Valley from Edward Headington on Vimeo.

UPDATE: Great bonus Footage of Paul Krekorian at today's rally, also courtesy of Headington Cabal;

Councilmembers Koretz & Krekorian @ the Rally in the Valley from Edward Headington on Vimeo.

Hunter B. & I Visit Rally in the Valley at DPSFV HQ

Hunter B & I paid a visit to Rally in The Valley today. Nice crowd, Great Energy! Everyone that's anyone in the Democratic Party in California was in the house.

Hunter B briefs Jerry on why "Jack-Ass in 3-D" is a must see.

Hunter B works on getting Kamala's digits.

Cartoon Animation Political Ads - The Shape Of Things To Come?

By David Berger

Xtranormal.com has been around for a while, and is becoming better known as it has been the source of some hilarious 'debate' animations, like the one that recently went viral over consumer complaints about the iPhone 4.



If you can type, you can create an animated video, quickly, cheaply and actually quite effectively, so it's no surprise that the opportunities presented by Xtranormal for inexpensive but effective political ads has been picked up by underfunded political campaigns.

Here's one for Prop 19 which, is currently going down in flames (51% to 39%) according to a recent LA Times/USC poll.



The possibilities for political comment and satire are endless - just think of Nicky Diaz's first meeting with Gloria Alred? or eMeg's reaction to Whoregate?

David Berger is a Deputy District Attorney for the County of Los Angeles and a former candidate for City Attorney of Los Angeles.

NOTICE: The comments views and opinions expressed above are personal to the writer and are not in any way authorized, approved or endorsed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office or any candidate.

Even MSNBC Thinks Boxer Is In Trouble

Shark Chum

Boxer keeps it real.

President Obama at USC Alumni Park Today

President Obama will be spending today in Los Angeles starting with an event for Barbara Boxer and then a DNC rally at USC's Alumni Park.  Live musical performance by LA's Ozomatli. Gates open at 10am, the event begins at noon, and the President is scheduled to address what is anticipated to be a large crowd around 1:55pm. Street closures and traffic delays are expected. If you are planning on attending, arrive early! Neon Tommy covers it live.


Itinerary:

The President departs San Francisco, California en route Los Angeles, California
Local Event Time: 10:15 AM PDT
Location: San Francisco International Airport

The President arrives in Los Angeles, California
Local Event Time: 11:20 AM PDT
Location: Los Angeles International Airport

The President delivers remarks at an event for Senator Boxer
Local Event Time: 12:45 PM PDT
Location: Ronald Tutor Campus Center, University of Southern California

The President delivers remarks at a DNC rally
Local Event Time: 1:55 PM PDT
Location: Alumni Park, University of Southern California

The President departs Los Angeles, California en route Glendale, California
Local Event Time: 2:50 PM PDT

The President tapes an interview for the Piolin Show
Local Event Time: 3:25 PM PDT
Location: California, Glendale, Piolin Productions Studio

The President departs Glendale, California en route Los Angeles, California
Local Event Time: 4:05 PM PDT

The President departs Los Angeles, California en route Las Vegas, Nevada
Local Event Time: 4:30 PM PDT
Location: Los Angeles International Airport

The President arrives in Las Vegas, Nevada
Local Event Time: 5:30 PM PDT
Location: McCarran International Airport

The President delivers remarks at a DNC rally
Local Event Time: 6:10 PM PDT
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, Orr Middle School Park

The President attends a dinner for Senator Reid
Local Event Time: 7:45 PM PDT
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, Private Residence


Read more »

New Public Policy Institute of California Poll Results

A new Public Policy Institute of California survey that came out today shows an 8 point lead for Jerry Brown, Proposition 19 (the marijuana legalization initiative) losing support, Proposition 23 (the Texas Oil/Koch Bros backed prop) headed for defeat, and 6 out of 10 Californians struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.

Jerry Brown leads Meg Whitman by 8 points in the governor’s race. 
Proposition 19- Support 44%  Oppose 49%
Proposition 23- Support 37%  Oppose 48%
62% of Californians surveyed by PPIC say they're worried about having enough money to pay their rent or mortgage.

Los Angeles Politics Video Hotsheet for Wednesday

It's your lucky day! A Video Hotsheet! We know how much everyone loves these! No pesky links to contend with (ok, maybe a few), just hit play, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
We will return Thursday morning with that boring static Hotsheet that everyone complains about, but just can't seem to stop reading.

 Don't Vote. That'll show 'em;


Christine makes a funny;


Thanks to GPW for this one;


Oh, and no video yet, but it appears that the Koch Brothers are taking over the U.S.

Brown Pulling Away in Latest Poll

A new SurveyUSA poll has it Brown 47% to Whitman's 40%.  An Oct 15th Rasmussen poll had Brown with a 6 point advantage. The SurveyUSA poll also shows Sen Boxer with a slight lead over Carly Fiorina but essentially a dead heat.

CD 2 City Councilman Paul Krekorian to hold Townhall Meeting on the future of the Neighborhood Council System

** For the Neighborhood Council Members who are regulars here at Mayor Sam, this is an important event to attend, courtesey of our friend Jeremy Oberstein.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Event Date: Oct. 24, 2010
Contact: Jeremy Oberstein, (213) 359-8506

Krekorian to Hold Second Neighborhood Council Town Hall

LOS ANGELES - Following the rousing success of his first Neighborhood Council Workshop, Councilmember Paul Krekorian is poised to host the second such town hall on Sunday, Oct. 24 on the campus of USC.

The workshop will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and affords neighborhood council members throughout Los Angeles who may not have had the opportunity to attend the first workshop to speak about the future of local empowerment, including the chance to help shape that movement through a series of break-out sessions.

The second Neighborhood Council Workshop follows September’s session, in which more than 100 residents hashed out the future of local democracy, during which issues such as funding, ethics and the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) were discussed in lively group chats. The workshop will take place in the Founder’s Room of USC’s Galen Center, 3400 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

When: Sunday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Founder’s Room of USC’s Galen Center, 3400 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.
Why: The future of the city's 92 neighborhood councils remains in doubt. While these instruments of local democracy remain vibrant tools of neighborhood empowerment, what lies ahead for their funding, ethics guidelines and the city department that oversees their operations is very much up in the air. This workshop will elicit ideas while providing a roadmap for the future of neighborhood councils throughout Los Angeles.

** Neighborhood Council Members and Angelinos need to work with Councilman Krekorian and others, to protect our Neighborhood Councils and maintain DONE as a "stand alone" department.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Thanks to the Supreme Court, Democracy is now officially dead. From here on out, it's just a cash fueled corporate cockfight. Thanks for playing!

-Meanwhile, back at the ranch; Prop 22 would stop the state from raiding county and city coffers when their funds run low.  Political activist Sheriff Lee Baca supports 22 and explains why.

-Cockfighting ain't cheap, so who can blame BofA for firing up the foreclosure machine in 23 states starting next week after an all too brief 24 day freeze.  BofA will be asking judges for permission to seize 102,000 properties beginning Oct 25th.

-Citing possible legal ramifications (no pun intended), the LA City Council is refusing to stop FilmLA from issuing permits for porn shoots in LA. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has been demanding a shutdown of adult film production since an adult performer was discovered to be HIV positive last week.

Have I left anything out? I'm sure you'll let me know.

Sunday Re-Education Camp

 Did the Koch Brothers create the astroturf Tea Party?

-Film director James Cameron of "Titanic" and "Avatar" fame pledges $1 million to fight the Koch Bros/Valero Oil backed Prop 23.  Support for Prop 23 is in a freefall with a recent Field Poll showing 45% opposition to the ill conceived measure with only 34% support. Last week, the "Yes On 23" campaign went dark, with no television ads statewide as financial resources continue to dry up.

-Jerry Brown picks up yet another endorsement. This one from The Daily News;

"The next governor of California will inherit a state mired in debt, with a budget already billions of dollars in the red, public infrastructure literally crumbling, a poisonous business climate, schools the shame of the nation and a populace tired of the finger-pointing and lack of leadership from Sacramento. 

That's why Californians must use cold calculation and not gut feeling when they vote for the state's top leader in the Nov. 2 election. The foremost criteria must be which of the top two candidates can work within the dysfunction of Sacramento to set the state back on the path of solvency and growth - and do so quickly. Under that criteria, the only choice is Jerry Brown."-Daily News

-With just a bit over two weeks until election day, the pace of the name-calling gets fast and furious; Senator John McCain describes Barbara Boxer as "bitterly partisan and anti-defense". Meanwhile, Megan McCain calls Christine O'Donnell "A Nutjob".

-Senate hopeful Carly Fiorina shows off her empty suit on Fox News Sunday.

-Gov Jan Brewer of Arizona just can't get a break. Last week, she lost an effort to halt lawsuits filed by civil rights groups challenging the constitutionality of SB1070.

JoeB and Mayor Sam on the Air

JoeB joins us tonight on Live LA Saturday Night with David Hernandez and Frank Sheftel at 8:00 p.m. PDT on LATalkRadio.com Channel One.

We'll be discussing the upcoming state and national elections with our own votes on each of the propositions on the California ballot.

Certainly no one will agree with anyone.  Join us live, call in number is 323.203.0815.

Live from the Mayor's Budget Day at City Hall

Neighborhood Councils out in force at City Hall

Great Saturday morning from the John Ferraro Council Chambers, as the City of Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils, gather for mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Sixth Budget Day. As I type, Mayor Villaraigosa is speaking in lukewarm terms about the budgetary picture.

The diverse groups of Neighborhood Councils will elect regional "Budget Advocates", to work with the Mayor and City Council on the upcoming 2011-2012 Fiscal Budget.

As Mayor Villaraigosa speech continues, one cannot help but notice the somber mood of the Mayor as he discusses the dire economic situation facing the city. He hopes to get more concessions from the unions while pledging to move forward with pension reform.

In the area of revenues, the stream of money coming into City Hall has "flat line". Simply, the flow of tax money has stop falling but it is not increasing. Villaraigosa is broaching the idea of a "tax amnesty" (thanks Jack H.), to stimulate business in Los Angeles. He also is mentioning his favorite Deputy Mayor Austin B.

The City of LA is currently $63 million in the red, Villaraigosa keeps harping back to his days as the Speaker of the California Assembly, when spending money was so much easier. he is asking the assemble masses what they think are the core services that need to be prioritize.

One gets the impression that the budgetary crisis is taking a mental toll on the Mayor, he harps upon the protest outside his Getty House home, he reminds the crowds about the numerous protest that assail his actions. For a man who craves attention, the recent negative attacks on his leadership are showing.

More later as City Attorney Carmen Trutanich takes the podium.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Senior Citizen Hippies for Meg

From my formerly liberal, 1960s, Black Panther, Brown Beret, Peace and Freedom Mom who got her head stomped by LAPD in 1967 protesting LBJ and the war in Century City:

"Just can't believe it took me so long to see thru the Democratic deceit and fraud!!! Oh my."

She marked her absentee ballot today for Meg Whitman.

Brown Lead Widens after Whoregate

In the first major poll after the much publicized incident of a Brown staffer referring to Meg Whitman as a whore, Jerry Brown  gains a point from a pollster that normally skews Republican! Rasmussen now has Brown easing away with a 50-44 lead over Meg Whitman.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Friday

Repercussions continue from the cancelled City Council meeting due to a lack of quorum caused by tardy Clowncil members.  The Daily News takes the Clowncil to the woodshed for showing "an implicit disrespect for the people the City Council is supposed to serve." Of course in a few short months the Daily News will endorse all these same incumbents.

The City reports that its new credit card parking meters are raking in the dough. Remember if a parking meter doesn't work it's no longer a free parking pass. You have to actually move your car elsewhere. Non-totalitarian cities in LA County such as Burbank don't hold you up for parking and don't even have meters.

Read more »

Phillips: Whitman - Paladino Was Wrong

Wednesday evening KABC talk host John Phillips interviewed Republican Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman where she called out New York GOP candidate Carl Palladino for making anti-gay comments. The story has been picked up by both Yahoo News and the news magazine The Advocate.

On an unrelated note Phillips Thursday will interview porn hustler and former candidate for President and Governor Larry Flynt.

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Thursday

-The trapped Chilean miners have all been safely rescued after spending 69 days underground. A flawlessly executed rescue operation conducted by the Chilean government is receiving high praise from around the world. The rescue craft used in freeing the miners has been dubbed the "Fenix 2". It was designed and built by the Chilean navy, with some help from our very own NASA and based on a German rescue craft from the 1950's. Shockingly, San Esteban, the company employing the 33 miners, has refused to pay the trapped workers wages since the accident occurred, nor has the company contributed anything towards their rescue. Is that called protecting your bottom line? When the mining company gets ordered to pay up will Chilean conservatives call this a "shakedown"?

-Still lagging in the polls, Meg Whitman drops another $20 million into her campaign. Aw, who's counting at this point?

-For the last 10 years or so, there have been dozens of Medical Equipment Supply stores operating in the neighborhood. A wheelchair in the window, a locked door, and never a customer in sight. Evidently, business is booming! Video.

-Free the Cyclists! CicLAvia draws 100,000! Soon to be a monthly event?

- A Prominent GOP Ute sees the light, and immediately jumps off a cliff!

Brown Picks Up Another Police Endorsement

No backroom deals or pension protection promises from Jerry (unlike Meg).

California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations Representing 80,000 Officers Endorses Attorney General Jerry Brown for Governor
Brown For Governor Campaign
13 October 2010

SANTA ANA - Adding to the growing list of endorsements from California's law enforcement community, the California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations (CCLEA), representing 80,000 peace officers, announced today that they have endorsed Jerry Brown for Governor.

"Meg Whitman is attempting to cover up her non-existent record on fighting crime by launching dishonest and misleading attacks against Jerry Brown, the state's chief law enforcement officer," said CCLEA President and Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs President Wayne Quint. "Attorney General Jerry Brown's record on fighting crime speaks for itself. For decades, Jerry Brown has cleaned up our streets and as the state's top cop he has been tireless in his efforts to make our communities safe. We enthusiastically endorse his candidacy for Governor."

CCLEA represents 80,000 peace officers throughout the state and is California's largest umbrella organization of law enforcement associations. In fact, CCLEA represents more than 40 peace officer groups, including the California State Fraternal Order of Police, Southern California Alliance of Law Enforcement, Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association, Los Angeles Schools Police Association, Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County, San Diego Police Officers Association, Kern Law Enforcement Association, Deputy Sheriff's Association of Santa Clara County, Riverside Deputy Sheriffs Association, San Jose Police Officers Association, Ventura County Professional Peace Officers Association and many others.

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Angry Bitter Jerry .................

" The fun-loving young Moonbeam morphs into mean-spirited old Jerry"

If you desire a former fun-loving political heartthrob, who has morph into a acidic mixed with sardonic pronouncements, then Jerry Brown is your choice for California Governor.

But for someone who reviles the "Politics of Personal Destruction" via its latest Brown Campaign incarnation with "Nickygate" and "Whoregate, then you will vote for anyone but Jerry.

As National Talk Show Host Hugh Hewitt points out this morning, the latest Jerry Brown Political Incarnation, comes withs little political remorse, this in light of his shallow apology to Meg Whitman, over the "Whoregate Affair", during last night's Governor Debate.

The latest reinventing Governor Jerry Brown Project, is a exercise in gaffe production gone wild. A simple, sincere apology, is not in the current political DNA, of the new meaner and crude Jerry Brown. But then for someone who took women for granted, whether it was at night clubs or at the polling place, dealing respectfully with a sharp, articulate successful woman such as Meg Whitman, is not in a older Jerry's current make up.

The irony here is that Bitter Jerry, would not be in this position to govern California again, without the straying infidelities of Mayor Antonio Villar and its ensuing backlash among female voters, especially Latinas. Plus, former Mayoral Candidate Walter Moore's grass-roots crusade, should also get credit for the democratic emergence of the Bitter Jerry, but I digress.

Thus, with Jerry's less than heartfelt apology, those female voters may find his actions less then desirable in their choice for California's next Governor?

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday: The "Bullshit" Edition

Quorum Bullshit: The LA City Council meeting was cancelled Tuesday because not enough members were present to achieve quorum. Gil Garcetti, Jr., Bernard Parks, Sr., Ed Reyes, Dennis Zine, Tom LaBonge, Richard Alarcon, Herb Wesson, Greig Smith, and Paul Krekorian were there and on time. Everyone else was not including Weezy, Hamburger Jan and the Cat Whisperer.

Inconveniencing Commuter Bullshit: Members of a rap band who will get no free publicity here blocked a local freeway Tuesday morning as part of a publicity stunt. This is the same kind of manure as those illegal alien protesters who laid down in the street in West LA.

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Mitchell Englander: Atrocious

Word on the street is that Mitchell Englander has $400K in his campaign slush fund. He may need it in the year of no incumbents, especially when prominent folks in his District think the following of him:

"I am not in the pockets of lobbyists and I am not running for City Council.


Mr. Englander is both. So in that regard yes, I am less experienced in screwing over a constituency. Less experienced at lobbying for the very things my constituents oppose. Less experienced at playing politics with the public trust - In that regard I cede that Mitch has more experience than I, and I wear that like a badge of honor.


... many people, including myself, believe Mitch is an atrocious candidate for CD 12."

-Jim Alger
Mayor Sam, February 12, 2009

In the most solidly Republican district in the City, the only one where Walter Moore bested Antonio Villaraigosa, a true conservative with chops and dough can rise above the bought and paid for RINO Mitch. So the lesson is attention all CD12 comers - raise some money and you can easily take on Mitchell.

And no Phil, not Walter Moore.

Estate Tax Threatens American Families, Communities

Something interesting that came to my inbox - MH

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (October 11, 2010) –The federal inheritance tax—which could soon snatch up more than half the assets of a deceased person—threatens American families and could yield a devastating blow to entire communities. Dr. Del Tackett and veteran broadcaster John Rabe discuss the burdensome tax on this week’s broadcast of Cross Examine, a biblical worldview television program from Coral Ridge Ministries. To watch the program or find TV station listings, click here.

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Open Thread for Tuesday

CD4 Manure Pile
photo by Mayor Sam

Plenty of BS all around these days!

Outtakes from CD 14: City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez to report $200,000+ for his Campaign

CD 14 City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez as a member of our Armed Forces

Councilman Jose Huizar and Family at this years Mexican Independence Day Parade

** Tuesday afternoon update as of 5:00 PM, Jose Huizar is reporting $203,274, Rudy Martinez reports $202,620.

Mayor Sam has learned that CD 14 City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez will report $200,000+, for his campaign to unseat current City Councilman Jose Huizar, in the March 2011 Elections.

Martinez who has been aggressive in the early campaigning within CD 14, will parley a mix of self-financing and contributions, to reach the $200,000 mark for the October 12, 2010 Filing Period.

The fact that Martinez is evolving into a strong challenger for the CD 14 Council Seat, may be why that Councilman Huizar, is attempting to restrict Martinez from appearing in community events, that get funding from his various monetary resources.

Community sources with ties to the Eagle Rock Veteran's Day Parade, report that Councilman Huizar is attempting to deny Martinez, a veteran, a spot in the parade. Back in July, Martinez was denied a spot in the El Sereno "Fourth of July Parade". This was despite the fact that the A & E Cable Channel that produces his "Flip this House Show" would of donated $500 toward the parade expenses and that Martinez would not identify himself as a candidate for CD 14.

On the subject of candidates, long time community activist and Glassell Park Neighborhood Councilmember Tony Butka, has announced that he will become the fourth candidate in the CD 14 contest. we plan on bring you more on Butka's Campaign, in the near future.

Your thoughts.

Scott Johnson in CD 14

The Socialist Shape of Things To Come (Unless You People Wake Up And Smell the Horse Shit)

By David Berger, Exclusive to Mayor Sam

People often ask me why I left England. Oftentimes the question is posed after they've just come back from a trip to 'Old Blighty' and they've seen sights; Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Guards with their funny furry hats standing to attention outside Buckingham Palace, the Crown Jewels on display at The Tower of London, the Food Court at Harrods, the Hyde Park Memorial to dear departed Princess Diana, and Tower Bridge (you know, the bridge over the River Thames that opens to allow tall ships to pass and that some American millionaire thought he had bought).

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Don't Mess With Cali! Part 2

Today's enthusiastic rally & march to City Hall by Prop 23 opponents. This rally was held to coincide with today's amazing and historic CicLAvia event.